[A case of pulmonary varices demonstrated by three-dimensional computed tomography].

Abstract

We present a case of pulmonary varices in a 44-year-old man. The patient's chest X-ray films revealed well-delineated shadows in the right lower lung field. An enhanced chest CT scan with three-dimensional volumetric imaging demonstrated a vascular malformation in the right lower lobe. Both the arterial and parenchymal phases of digital subtraction of the right pulmonary angiography were normal. However, the venous phase showed serpiginous right lower pulmonary veins draining into the left atrium, and a delayed pooling of contrast in dilated pulmonary veins confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary varices. No echocardiographic findings of valvular disease were recognized. He remained asymptomatic and returned to work, but radiological follow-up was continued annually.